Hundreds of guns and knives surrendered in West Yorkshire (28 Nov 2017)

More than 200 firearms, knives and swords
including a large number of shotguns have been taken out of
circulation after a force wide weapons surrender.

The surrender, which started on 13 November and finished on
Sunday (26 November) was in support of the national firearms
surrender to rid the streets of guns.

Members of the public were encouraged to take firearms into
police stations. Across Yorkshire and the Humber forces also
accepted other weapons including knives, ammunition and other
offensive weapons.

During the surrender period 215 items (firearms, knives and
swords), were surrendered including a large number of shotguns (one
of which was semi-automatic) and three pump action shotguns. In
addition to this a large amount of ammunition was also
surrendered.

ACC Catherine Hankinson of West Yorkshire Police, said: "A large
number of weapons have now been taken out of circulation meaning
that they can never fall into the hands of those who mean harm.

"This means that our communities are safer - over 200 weapons
can now not be used in crimes.

"They will now be destroyed or sent off for forensic testing to
check they have not been used in a crime.

"I would like to thank members of the community for responding
so positively to this weapons surrender and coming forward to help
make a difference.

"As a Force we are looking to proactively get weapons off of our
streets and to lead young people away from a potential life of
crime.

"We want them to lead a productive life playing an active role
in our communities."

Mark Burns-Williamson, West Yorkshire Police and Crime
Commissioner, said: "We've had a good response to this weapons
surrender and our communities are definitely safer because of it.
These weapons will now be destroyed, ensuring that they will never
be used to commit a crime or ruin anyone's life in the future.

"The weapons surrender may have finished for the time being but
we will always be looking for reports of the storage or use of
illegal weapons and ammunition. Please get in touch with West
Yorkshire Police or if you know of any instances or you have any
suspicions of where illegal weapons may be located."